Signification
Asking about language proficiency.
Contexte culturel
English is widely used in higher education and law. Asking this question is very common in Dhaka. There is a high degree of 'Benglish' (code-switching). People might answer in a mix of both languages. In villages, English proficiency is lower. It's better to use very simple Bengali or gestures. Second-generation Bengalis in the UK or USA might understand the question but prefer to answer in English.
Smile and Greet
Always start with 'Nomoshkar' or 'Assalamu Alaikum' before asking. It makes people much more willing to help.
The 'Ki' sound
Make sure 'ki' is short. If you say 'kī' (long), it sounds like you are asking 'What English can you speak?' which is confusing.
Signification
Asking about language proficiency.
Smile and Greet
Always start with 'Nomoshkar' or 'Assalamu Alaikum' before asking. It makes people much more willing to help.
The 'Ki' sound
Make sure 'ki' is short. If you say 'kī' (long), it sounds like you are asking 'What English can you speak?' which is confusing.
Use 'Olpo'
If someone asks you if you speak Bengali, say 'Olpo olpo' (A little bit). It’s a great way to build rapport.
Teste-toi
Choose the correct formal version of the phrase.
Which one is correct for a stranger?
'Apni' and 'paren' are the formal forms required for strangers.
Fill in the missing word.
আপনি ___ ইংরেজি বলতে পারেন?
'ki' is the question marker needed here.
Complete the dialogue.
Tourist: মাফ করবেন, আপনি কি ইংরেজি বলতে পারেন? Local: হ্যাঁ, ____।
The speaker is saying 'I can', so they use the first-person form 'pari'.
Match the phrase to the person.
Match 'তুমি কি ইংরেজি বলতে পারো?' to the correct listener.
'Tumi' is appropriate for peers like classmates.
🎉 Score : /4
Aides visuelles
Banque d exercices
4 exercicesWhich one is correct for a stranger?
'Apni' and 'paren' are the formal forms required for strangers.
আপনি ___ ইংরেজি বলতে পারেন?
'ki' is the question marker needed here.
Tourist: মাফ করবেন, আপনি কি ইংরেজি বলতে পারেন? Local: হ্যাঁ, ____।
The speaker is saying 'I can', so they use the first-person form 'pari'.
Match 'তুমি কি ইংরেজি বলতে পারো?' to the correct listener.
'Tumi' is appropriate for peers like classmates.
🎉 Score : /4
Questions fréquentes
4 questionsNo, it is very polite as long as you use the 'Apni' form. It shows you respect their language enough to ask in it.
Yes, people will understand, but it's much more 'Duolingo-pro' to use the full sentence!
Say 'Dhonnobad' (Thank you) and try to find someone else or use a translation app.
In Bengali, the question marker 'ki' usually follows the subject. It's just how the grammar works!
Expressions liées
আমি বাংলা বলতে পারি না
similarI cannot speak Bengali
আপনি কি আমাকে সাহায্য করতে পারেন?
builds onCan you help me?
এটার দাম কত?
similarHow much is this?
আমি অল্প অল্প বাংলা জানি
similarI know a little bit of Bengali
